FICO Powers Philippines' Bank of Commerce Consumer Lending Business

SINGAPORE, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FICO (NYSE:FICO), the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, today announced that Bank of Commerce in the Philippines is using FICO decision management and analytics solutions to help manage risk and drive profitability in its newly launched consumer credit product line. The bank selected FICO following a rigorous competitive review in which FICO demonstrated that it could deliver the optimal solution within the shortest time frame.

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Specifically, Bank of Commerce is using FICO® Blaze Advisor^®  business rules management system to design and operationalize its origination decision and customer management strategies, and four advanced scoring models to evaluate customer creditworthiness and manage risk. Historically a commercial bank, Bank of Commerce established a consumer banking division in 2010 and has begun introducing personal loans, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans. FICO strategy consultants are helping the bank develop the management skills to apply scoring solutions effectively and manage credit portfolios profitably.

This important engagement follows FICO's recent entry into the Philippines market in partnership with iSphere Global Group. There is a vast opportunity for increased adoption of analytics and risk management technologies as local banks compete vigorously to expand their credit business without incurring undue risk. There are estimated to be fewer than 10 million credit card users in the Philippines, but that number is expected to grow rapidly – perhaps even double – over the next year. Meanwhile, Philippine banks need to keep up with their counterparts in other Asia-Pacific countries in the use of analytics for making critical business decisions on a large scale, notably the granting of credit.

"Consumer banking is a new market for us, and we wanted to enter it in the strongest possible position," said Leah Castaneda, Vice President and Consumer Lending Division Head, Bank of Commerce. "With FICO's technology and strategy consulting expertise, we have a powerful and reliable underwriting solution to help us mitigate the risks inherent in this venture, as well as a strong differentiator against our competition."

"Bank of Commerce has staked out a leadership position in the use of business rules and analytics in the rapidly growing Philippine consumer credit market," said Burton Crapps, FICO country manager for the Philippines. "With FICO's industry-leading technology underpinning its credit operations, the bank is well positioned to develop its credit infrastructure, mitigate risk and establish positive relationships with borrowers from the start."

About FICO
FICO (NYSE:FICO) delivers superior predictive analytics solutions that drive smarter decisions. The company's groundbreaking use of mathematics to predict consumer behavior has transformed entire industries and revolutionized the way risk is managed and products are marketed. FICO's innovative solutions include the FICO^® Score — the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the United States — along with industry-leading solutions for managing credit accounts, identifying and minimizing the impact of fraud, and customizing consumer offers with pinpoint accuracy. Most of the world's top banks, as well as leading insurers, retailers, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, rely on FICO solutions to accelerate growth, control risk, boost profits and meet regulatory and competitive demands. FICO also helps millions of individuals manage their personal credit health through www.myFICO.com. Learn more at www.fico.com. FICO: Make every decision count^™.

For FICO news and media resources, visit www.fico.com/news.

Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release that relate to FICO or its business are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the success of the Company's Decision Management strategy and reengineering plan, the maintenance of its existing relationships and ability to create new relationships with customers and key alliance partners, its ability to continue to develop new and enhanced products and services, its ability to recruit and retain key technical and managerial personnel, competition, regulatory changes applicable to the use of consumer credit and other data, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, continuing material adverse developments in global economic conditions, and other risks described from time to time in FICO's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes, FICO's results could differ materially from its expectations. FICO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

FICO and "Make every decision count" are trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.

SOURCE FICO